Having honed his craft with Capcom, for years working on iconic action games such as Devil May Cry 5, Dragon’s Dogma, and Monster Hunter, Ryota Suzuki is no stranger to designing engaging combat systems.

With Final Fantasy 16, he's poised to deliver a combat experience that not only captures the essence of the series but also expands its scope in exciting ways.

In a recent Japanese live stream, Suzuki, whose favorite entry in the series is Final Fantasy V, confidently referred to FF16 as his "personal masterpiece," which signifies his profound belief in the project and the innovations it brings.

Suzuki Ryota's message from the Final Fantasy XVI Japanese live letter was enlightening- he says that throughout his entire career designing action games for the past 25 years, he truly thinks FF16 is his own personal masterpiece.

I added English subs to his heartfelt message! pic.twitter.com/LlXKzAAn2C

— ☆オードリーAudrey☆ (@aitaikimochi) June 18, 2023

In the illustrious world of video games, few franchises hold the same power and allure as Square Enix's Final Fantasy. One of the mainstays of the RPG genre, the series has evolved significantly over its storied history, seamlessly blending traditional turn-based combat with compelling narratives and imaginative worlds.

As anticipation builds for the impending release of Final Fantasy 16 on June 22, one key figure in the game's development process, combat director Ryota Suzuki, is drawing upon his extensive experience in the gaming industry to take the Final Fantasy franchise in a bold new direction.

Such a statement carries weight, especially considering Suzuki's illustrious portfolio. He is no novice in the action-adventure and action RPG genre, having contributed to heavy hitters such as Monster Hunter World and its Iceborne expansion, Devil May Cry 4 and 5, and Dragon’s Dogma and its Dark Arisen expansion. Yet, Suzuki's latest project holds a special place in his esteem, a testament to the collaborative creativity and ambition embedded in Final Fantasy 16's development.

But what makes Final Fantasy 16's combat system so unique? According to Suzuki, it lies in the game's accessibility. In an era where action games are known for their complex mechanics and intricate gameplay systems, Final Fantasy 16 aims to bridge the gap, inviting newcomers to the genre while still satisfying veterans. This design philosophy manifests in the game's demo, offering a myriad of options to help first-time action RPG players get a feel for the game's nuanced combat system.

The team at Square Enix hasn't merely crafted a game that caters to the uninitiated. They've been mindful of the franchise's long-standing fans, ensuring the combat retains the depth and complexity associated with the series. At the same time, the game opens its arms to those unfamiliar with the genre, hoping to introduce them to the thrills and excitement inherent in action games.

The deliberate shift from traditional turn-based combat to a more action-centric approach is a bold move, sparking plenty of conversations within the gaming community. While some fans view this transition with skepticism, others welcome the change, excited to see the franchise chart a new course.

Ahead of its official release, Final Fantasy 16 has already managed to stir up a flurry of emotions within its fanbase, with a dwindling number of doubters waiting for the review embargo to lift after the impressive demo.

As players around the world eagerly await their chance to take a much deeper dive into the game, it's clear Suzuki's vision for an accessible yet captivating combat system will be put to the test.

Whether it heralds a new era for the franchise or pays homage to its roots, one thing is for certain: FF16 promises to deliver a gameplay experience that's truly epic in scope and scale.

Just be careful about going into the internet for the next few days - it's full of spoilers for Final Fantasy 16!